Dental measuring and machining system

ABSTRACT

A dental measuring and machining system includes a measuring and machining unit for preparing measurement data by measuring a prosthesis model based on a predetermined algorithm and for producing a prosthesis by machining a prosthesis block based on the above measurement data, and an operating unit for operating the measuring and machining unit from the outside. A user is able to produce a dental prosthesis by operating the measuring and machining unit under the control of a computer. The measuring and machining unit is connected to the external operating unit by communication, and the measuring and machining unit can be operated from the outside.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Phase Patent Application of InternationalApplication Number PCT/JP01/04509, filed on May 29, 2001, which claimspriority of Japanese Patent Application Number 2000-158374, filed May29, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dental measuring and machiningsystem.

BACKGROUND ART

For producing a dental prosthesis such as an implant, inlay, bridge orcrown, an apparatus, by which a suitable dental prosthesis is formed bypreparing three-dimensional measurement data by measuring the shape of amodel sampled from a defective part of the teeth or jaw and so forth,and machining a block of a material optimum for a prosthesis based onthe measurement data, is proposed. This type of apparatus uses acomputer for controlling the function for numerically encoding andcomputing data, and the function for driving a cutting drill based onthis computed data to machine the block by grinding or cutting.Generalization and increased efficiency of the computer is realizedunder a practical level by the combination of general-purpose OS andCAD/CAM software, so that the apparatus can be operated easily even if auser does not have detailed and specialized knowledge in the fields ofdentistry or machinery but can understand the manner of use to a certainextent. For example, an example of such an apparatus is Dental Measuringand Machining Apparatus “CADIM” (registered trademark) (made by AdvanceCorporation).

In this manner, even in the case of an apparatus by which a dentalprosthesis can be produced with specialized dental knowledge as long asthe manner of use can be understood to a certain extent, if the userdoes not fully understand the use of a computer, or if the userunderstands the use of a computer, it is required to deal with erroneousoperations or rare cases, and the situation is unchanged so that theuser must learn to the extent necessary to overcome such problems.

In addition, since there are individual differences in the shapes ofdefective parts of teeth or jaw shape and so forth, the prostheses arealways forced to custom-made production, and automated mass productionis unexpected, forcing them to be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Moreover, even if the computer has a high degree of universality and itsoperation is not that much different from the operation of routinelyused personal computers, since a beginner still has to learn to operatethe computer, and that operation has the special nature of measuring andmachining dental prostheses, there are still cases in which specializedoperations for adjusting software or additional information is requireddepending on the addition, revision or alteration of its functions.

Thus, although the support of a person having a certain degree ofspecialized knowledge is required for use, since there are many cases inwhich simply sending a document or a floppy disk to the user and havingthe user perform operation are not adequate, ultimately resulting in theneed to dispatch a trainer to the user's location, as the area coveredexpands, it becomes necessary to contend with a large burden in terms ofboth cost and labor in order to accommodate this situation.

Moreover, although contact measurement using a probe or non-contactmeasurement using an optical technique such as laser light are employedas methods for measuring the surface shape of a model obtained from theoral cavity of a patient in order to obtain an accurate prosthesis, thecontact type is preferable in terms of seeking accuracy.

However, in the case of the contact type, since it is necessary tomanipulate the probe so that is makes contact with the entire surface ofthe model, in addition to requiring considerable time, it is alsonecessary to rotate and move the model for that purpose.

In addition, since a conventional probe is composed in the shape of asingle rod positioned horizontally on the so-called Z axis, and comesout at locations where measurement is difficult, it becomes necessary tochange the position of the model more carefully.

This type of tedious manipulation requires a considerable amount oflearning by the dentist and so forth that uses it. In addition, sincethe driving parts for moving the probe, the grinding tool and thecutting tool become large, this type of measuring and machiningequipment takes up space, and there is a case in which its installationis difficult for a small-scale dental practitioner, etc.

Moreover, although computerized measuring and machining is useful interms of simplifying the conventional, tedious machining process andreducing cost, on the other hand, the noise produced during machining bythe machine tool portion for dental cutting results in a difficultsituation for performing in parallel with dental treatment.

In addition, even if operation of the machinery for measuring andmachining is premised on the use of a general-purpose computer, since itis necessary to learn how to operate the computer, the machinery cannotbe used immediately.

In addition, although varying somewhat depending on the measurementtechnique, the amount of time spent on a series of measuring andmachining takes about a half day even if the user is familiar with theoperation.

In addition, since there are some prostheses that are made of puretitanium and so forth that cannot be machined by a general-purposemachine tool, there are limitations on the types of prostheses that canbe machined.

Therefore, by separating the measuring section and machining section,and having the dentist, dental technician or other user retain only themeasuring section, while installing the machining section at anexternal, specialized facility, together with reducing the burden on theuser, various other advantages are obtained, including being able toproduce all types of prostheses, and enabling the user to be freed fromthe noise of the machine tools.

However, in the case of transmitting data from the measuring machineryto the machining machinery, since dental prostheses inherently havingdefective parts of irregular shapes or have large shapes such as in thecase of full implants, there are many cases in which a large amount ofdata is required. Consequently, a considerable amount of time ends upbeing required for transmitting all measurement data, thereby resultingin the problem high so-called secondary cost in the form of publictelephone line connection cost, equipment investment cost and so forth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In consideration of the above, the present invention enables sharing theinformation within a dental measuring and machining apparatus orbidirectionally transmittable conditions through a communication medium,and realizes the production of a prosthesis, that allows direct andpractical distribution of a software for improving a measuring andmachining function (version-up), maintenance of software, etc.,consultation for persons performing similar measuring and machining aswell as the provision, manipulation and handling of various otherinformation considered to be beneficial, real-time customer management,and the receiving and placing of orders for blocks for prosthesisformation, other instruments and machinery, outside measuring or outsidemachining, while also enabling transmission and receiving operations ondata for reproducing measuring and machining operations on the user sideat a support side, to thereby fully demonstrate the inherent functionsof the apparatus even if the user is a beginner.

An algorithm in the present invention refers to a program or data, whichincludes software, data and so forth relating to CAD/CAM software, NCsoftware, a measuring section and machining section, including thegeneral program for driving the equipment of the measuring section andmachining section, or data obtained as a result of that, and data thatcontains the parameters for arbitrarily running the program, althoughnot limited to those.

The outside in the present invention refers to a region other than amachinery and instrument that execute measuring and machining, andcovers various locations from a broad range extending to both at homeand abroad to a narrow range such as within the same room.

In another aspect of the present invention, the dental measuring andmachining apparatus is provided with a probe having contacts thatextends in the directions of a cross for contact measurement of thesurface of a model for producing a prosthesis, surface shape acquisitionmeans for obtaining the shape of the surface of the above model based oncontact by the above probe, and machining means that performs machiningprocessing by a cutting and grinding tool on a model for machining aprosthesis based on the data of the above surface shape acquisitionmeans. As a result of having this constitution, the surface shape of themodel can be adequately measured while minimizing movement of the model,thereby making it possible to reduce the burden on the user.

Moreover, the present invention realizes stable measurement of thesurface shape of a model while holding a probe in a stable manner onwhich the weight burden is increased in a complex manner by using aparallel link structure for the drive unit that drives the probe, andwhile performing highly accurate operation extremely easily and enablingthe overall size to be reduced.

Moreover, the present invention enables highly accurate models to beformed at high speed and without taking up space while also allowing theobtaining of highly accurate prostheses by employing a constitution inwhich the compact measuring section and the machining section areseparated, data of the measuring section is transmitted to the outside,and the prosthesis is formed based on this transmitted data, and aconstitution that combines a cross probe with a parallel link drive unitthat drives it.

The cross probe in the present invention refers to a constitution inwhich, for example, contacts or so-called styluses are extended in thepositive and negative directions of the X axis and Y axis centeringabout the Z axis within three-dimensional coordinates.

Each of the contacts, in addition to presenting a rod shape extendinglinearly, may also be formed into a curves shape or composed in theshape of an acute angle.

Although the example of the contacts shows a vibrating type providedwith a vibrator composed of a piezoelectric material that vibrates avibrator at the site where the contact is connected, and a detector alsocomposed of a piezoelectric material that detects changes in theresulting vibrations when the contact has contacted a model, there arealso cases in which other techniques are used.

Preferable examples of this cross-type probe can be referred to in thetechnologies described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.10-47941 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-176902.

The parallel link structure in the present invention is preferably usedby, for example, a so-called robot manipulator as described in theJournal of the Japan Robot Society, Vol. 10 (1992) pp. 757-763.

A parallel link has a composition in which, for example, both ends oftwo sets each of a total of six serial link drivers, which extend andcontract by the driving of a linear motor, are connected in parallel atthree locations on a drive side support plate and support base (Stewartplatform type), or a composition of a three-shaft or six-shaft type, andhas a composition in which a potentiometer, which obtains angleinformation and other positional information of a so-called jointsection composed on the link end, is respectively connected to eachdrive side support plate on the driving end side.

A parallel link allows high-speed movement simply by driving the motorof each drive member to expand and contract, and has an extremely simplecomposition. In addition, since a parallel link drives as a result ofbeing supplemented by a plurality of driving parts, it is suitable fordriving heavy objects, and in addition to being able to be usedpreferably in the case of using a cross-type probe having a complexstructure and being somewhat heavy as in the present invention, sincecontrol of the parallel link can be performed simply by controlling themotor, it is capable of performing extremely high-speed movement of theprobe.

Although preferable examples of the composition of a parallel link canbe referred to in the technologies described in Japanese UnexaminedPatent Publication No. 5-138560 and Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication No. 8-281581, the composition is not limited to these, butrather is only required to have a composition in which driving membersare linked in so-called parallel. Furthermore, since a three-shaft typeof parallel link is composed by only using three serial links, it ispreferable in terms of costs.

In still another aspect of the present invention, it has been madepossible to produce a dental prosthesis that is capable of withstandingprosthetics by extracting data of its characteristic site and thenperforming supplementary work. In this manner, since only data of thecharacteristic site is required to be sent, shortening of transmissiontime can be realized, thereby realizing a system that does not place aburden on users.

The characteristic site in the present invention, in the case of a crownfor example, indicates three pieces of data consisting of data on theocclusal surface of the model for producing the prosthesis, data on thesite from the occlusal surface to the maximum lateral projection, anddata on the contact line between the abutment and crown (margin line),or data on sections of the prosthesis having sudden projections, or dataindicating the oral cavity environment such as height, width and soforth during occlusion in the case of partial or full dentures.

More specifically, since the neck is obtained numerically from the sumof the margin and projection, the characteristic site consists of marginline data and projection line data, and this portion is transmitted.

Since the cement space and coping shape are obtained numerically fromthe abutment surface, the portion of the abutment surface data istransmitted as the characteristic site.

Furthermore, since the abutment surface data is also obtained from theapex and bottom line data, only this portion may also be transmitted ascharacteristic section data. Since intraconal crown shape data and otherdouble crown data and so forth are also obtained numerically from marginline data, conus angle data and conus height data, margin line data,conus angle data and conus height data may also be transmitted ascharacteristic sections.

Supplementary work refers to supplementing missing shape data obtainedwith characteristic site data and parameters with straight lines,planes, curved lines and curved planes. Bezier, spline and other curveprocessing means are used as specific supplementation techniques.

There are cases in which prostheses produced on the basis of this degreeof transmission data are superior to prostheses produced by transmittingall data in terms of compatibility, stress diffusion and durability.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of a measuring and machiningsystem according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the displays of the server and the measuringand machining terminal of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a more detailed example of the measuring andmachining system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a variation of the measuring and machiningsystem according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing another embodiment of the present inventionincluding a parallel link and a cross probe.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a drive unit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a view explaining the operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 5and 6.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 5including a parallel link and drill.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the overall arrangement of the apparatus ofFIGS. 5 through 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing another embodiment of the presentinvention in the case of producing a conus type of prosthesis.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view with the elements of FIG. 10 beingcombined.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in the case of producing a metalcoping type of prosthesis.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view with the elements of FIG. 12 beingcombined.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1, a measuring section 11 is provided with a probe to measurethe shape of a model as an object for measurement such as a prosthesis,to prepare data from the measurement, and to output the data. Amachining section 12 is provided with a machining device such as adrill, a rotary cutter and so on to machine a work such as a block as anobject of prosthetics, by grinding or cutting, based on the input data.

Control section 13 is primarily composed by a computer, and hasperipheral terminals for interconnecting internal and external devicessuch as a monitor 15, a memory 14, a modem, a network card and so onvarious other internal and external devices, to interconnect and controlthese devices. Moreover, the control section 13 controls the driving ofthe probe of measuring section 11, and controls the function forconverting data obtained by the measuring section 11 into machining dataand the driving of the machining device in the machining section. Theseelements compose a measuring and machining terminal 1.

Reference numeral 16 indicates a server which is primarily composed by acomputer and controls the input and output of a memory 17 and the outputto a monitor 18. Server 16 is also provided with various otherinterfaces such as a modem and a network card. Data of measuring andmachining terminal 15 for every user are recorded in the memory 17 ofthe server 16, and the data are preferably depicted in the form of iconsas shown in FIG. 2. Reference numeral 19 indicates a telecommunicationline, examples of which are a wired line such as the Internet ortelephone line, and a wireless line such as a portable telephone(although not limited to these). Server 16 and the measuring andmachining terminal 1 have equipment that enables connection withcommunication line 19.

Furthermore, when using public communication such as the Internet, it ispreferable that at least transmitted and received data be processed, bycoding, for example, so that they cannot be viewed by a third person,and processing is preferably performed on the terminal 1 so that dataother than the required data are not received so that the data and theprogram in the terminal 1 are not destroyed. Server 16 may also beprovided with a measuring section and a machining section in the samemanner as the terminal 1.

The following provides an explanation of FIG. 2. Reference numeral 21indicates the display of the monitor 18 of the server 16. Referencenumeral 22 indicates a window for the measuring and machining terminal1, while reference numeral 23 indicates an icon group indicating moredetailed functions. For example, they are measurement data, measurementexecution data, machining progress data and machining execution data,and, by double-clicking on any of these, for example, a window 22 opensand the measuring and machining terminal 1 can be executed according tothe purpose in the window.

Reference numeral 24 indicates the state in which a portion of thewindow is opened. Reference numeral 25 indicates a file containedtherein which contains previously executed old version data and otherdata. Distinction between new and old data is selected according to, forexample, file names or update times.

Reference numeral 26 indicates a newly created execution file, referencenumeral 27 indicates the state after a new execution file has been movedby a drag-and-drop procedure by a cursor 28.

Reference numeral 31 indicates a display of the monitor 15 in themeasuring and machining terminal 1, while reference numeral 32 indicatesa shared file with the server 16. Icon group 33 corresponding to thepreviously mentioned icon group 23 of the server 16 is formed therein.Reference numeral 34 indicates a window corresponding to the window 24of the server, and an icon 35 is formed corresponding to the icon 27dropped on the server side 16. Reference numeral 36 indicates a displayarea that is also called a task bar, and the input of a new file can benotified by flashing this area on and off, for example,

The data of the individual measuring and machining terminal contain thekind of the machine, the production information, the maintenance record,the data transmission and receipt record, the software versioninformation and so forth, and the program data for measuring andmachining that is stored in the individual measuring and machiningdevice is also stored.

Moreover, the server 16 is able to exchange data synchronous to eachmeasuring and machining terminal 1.

This information is layered in the form of icons, and the window is in asynchronous state with control unit 13 within each measuring andmachining terminal, namely, in the state in which the data are storeddirectly in the memory 14 of control unit 13, for example, by draggingand dropping data to a window like that shown in FIG. 2 displayed on themonitor 18 of the server 16. This function can be realized easily by theweb sharing of one of the functions (using browser software), the remoteaccess sharing, or the network sharing such as by using an FTP (filetransfer protocol) function and so forth, if a computer such as a GUIcontrolled by the current window operation is used for the control unit13 and the server 16.

Moreover, in addition to sharing of the data, the present invention alsohas a function for monitoring the actual operation of the measuring andmachining terminal 1. Namely, server 16 is able to acquire output fromthe measuring section 11 and the machining section 12 during drivingthereof, on nearly a real-time basis or at least at a speedcorresponding to the situation, enabling the server 16 to directlycontrol the driving of the measuring section 11 and the machiningsection 12.

At that time, the status may be displayed on a specific window on thedisplay of the server 16 as shown in FIG. 2, and in this case, theoperation of each measuring and machining terminal 1 is monitored bythis server 16, and can be remote controlled by dragging and dropping offiles and so forth.

On the other hand, the exchange with the server in each measuring andmachining terminal 1 is carried out in a minimally layered data area.Namely, this area is, limited to one window of the monitor 15, forexample, and the transfer of data to there is such that the data move tothe area of the corresponding terminal of the server 16, and may have anexecution area that operates automatically, if data is transmitted fromserver 16 and in the case of new data that has not been used, accordingto identification by the type of file, namely the file name. Thus, theserver manages the terminals in the state in which the user is notparticularly required to view that area, resulting in a preferable stateparticularly for beginners.

A more concrete case is now described.

When the user is a beginner and is not familiar with the manner of use,the user calls up the server 16 directly. In this case, both may have avideophone function, and in that case, questions and responses can bemade on a real-time basis and may be terminated in the case when theuser understands. This may also be in the form of transmission andreception by written documents using electronic mail.

In the case if this is inadequate, a display for operation may be shownon the monitor 15 of measuring and machining terminal 1. In other words,the display shows where the user should actually click on the screen orwhat the next step is. In this case as well, it is preferably that thisbe carried out via a certain shared data area, and execution isselectively carried out according to the file name or window area.

Server 16 first moves the file showing the first step (e.g., image file(and containing audio data depending on the case)) to the user's ownmonitor 18. At that point, it is temporarily stored in the controlsection 13 and the memory 14 of the measuring and machining terminal 1together with the execution status. Furthermore, in this case, the usermay at least perform an operation so as to allow file transmission inorder to form the execution state. Thus, the server 16 allows executionby each measuring and machining terminal. Namely, execution may be madeto be allowed only in the case windows and icons have been made active(by single-clicking, for example).

This type of operating method guidance is particularly preferable forusers having no prior experience of use, when at least the use of helpsoftware contained in advance by the terminal is not adequate.Furthermore, since costs become a problem in the case of using a networkon a real-time basis in this manner, all required files may be initiallydropped to the window in response to a request from the user. In thiscase, the file names may be ordered and then executed in order at therequest of the user or automatically.

Next, in the case of providing an upgraded program from the server 16 tothe control section 13 of each measuring and machining terminal 1,updating may be executed simply by dragging and dropping (26 to 27) thatfile to a predetermined file name or window using a mouse (such as 110in FIG. 3) corresponding to the cursor 28 so that the program isupdated. Furthermore, since the size of such a program itself becomeslarge, file transmission may be carried out either by compressing orreplacing only those locations that change.

In addition, in the case a new file is transmitted by the server 16, thedisplay area 36 on the window, the icon or the task bar may be made toflash so as to notify the user. In addition, a simple message may bedisplayed on the image by specifying such as by single-clicking or usinga shortcut key in response to that flashing.

In the case when the user is unable to measure well or machine well, theuser informs this situation to the server 16. In this case, the detailsare sent to the window in the sharing state. Server 16 views the contentand in the case when the reason is unknown, it peruses measurementrecord data by selecting from the window and analyzes that data, andalso the server 16 directly drives the measurement section 11 ofmeasuring and machining terminal 1. The manner of this driving may beperformed by, for example, dropping the file to a specific window.Although measurement data and progress data are formed by this driving,this data is also automatically placed in the shared area, after whichthe server 16 confirms the data by arbitrarily viewing the file.

In the case when the data can be used directly as machining data, theserver 16 drops the file to the area for its execution. As a result ofthis dropping, the measuring and machining terminal 1 is informed thatdata has been transmitted and after the message is transmitted, thepreparation such as the attaching the block, and the machining areexecuted. The data on the execution of the machining is preserved in theshared file, and the server 16 may then examine the cause of the problemby viewing that file.

In addition, in the case when the cause of the trouble is on themachining side, operation may be performed by dropping the measurementdata obtained in advance or the measurement data sent from the measuringand machining terminal 1 into that window, and the server 16 may beallowed to gather the progress and result data from the window and toexamine the data.

Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the labor of the user, and toreliably form the prostheses, by operating the measuring and machiningterminal 1 by remote control in this manner by the server 16.Maintenance is also placed in the shared area, and the server 16 may bemade to be able to refer to this shared area as necessary.

Furthermore, in the case when the server 16 and the individual measuringand machining terminals 1 share a file, cost of a prescribed amount maybe charged per unit time at least for shared execution and operation inthe case when there is a request from a user, and account transfer andso forth may be used to make payment.

Moreover, the present invention is made such that a user possesses ameasuring section 11 only, and measurement data is created bycompressing and organizing measurement data to an area suitable forcommunication, after which a machining facility that also serves as theserver 16 is accessed from a user site to transmit this measurementdata.

Server 16 then performs a series of machining, including adjustment andfinishing, based on said measurement data, and then sends this by mailand so forth. Although this type of mode is realized with theconstitution shown in FIG. 4, since a user does not have to have amachining section in this method, reduced size, lower cost, reducedlearning of CAD and other special techniques, and lower noise level areachieved, thereby reducing the burden on the user, which is morepreferable for installation at dental clinics and so forth operated byindividuals.

Next, explanation is provided of a more specific embodiment for carryingout the present invention as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a morespecific example of the measuring and machining terminal 1 and so forthshown in FIG. 1. Measuring and machining unit 1 is a main body of adental measuring and cutting apparatus providing with a section formeasuring the shape of an object, and a cutting section for managing theshape data obtained by said measuring, and cutting a block composed of aprosthetic material based on said data. In the measuring section 41, amodel M is placed on a measuring stage 43 that manually or automaticallyrotates, and preferably slides, a measuring probe 44 is in contact withthe model M, and the surface shape of the model M is measured based onthe amount of displacement of the measuring probe 44.

Machining section 42 is provided with a vertically and horizontallyslidable rotary drill 45 and has a support stage 46, which is capable ofrotating or sliding either manually or automatically depending on thecase, and which supports block B comprised of a material that can beused as a bioprosthesis made of ceramics such as hydroxyapatite or metalsuch as titanium. Moreover, a nozzle 47, which outputs water for washingaway from the block B cuttings produced during grinding and cutting whenthe rotary drill 45 contacts block B, is arranged so as to be driven bybeing coupled to the rotary drill 45.

Transparent covers FK and FS that open vertically or horizontally areformed on both the measuring section 41 and the cutting section 42 forpreventing scattering of cuttings and protecting the measuring section,etc.

Monitor 48 is a section mainly for display of measurement and cuttingstatus as well as operation. Panel switches 49 are mainly for adjustingmeasurement and cutting operations by pressing and so forth. Panelswitches 49 are provided with a function for connecting them to theserver regardless of the operation of the internal computer, andpreferably have a function that is activated when they are pressed tonotify the server by a simple message of an error in said terminal or anemergency situation such as in the case of desiring to produce aprosthesis on an emergency basis even though the user is unfamiliar withthe usage method.

Reference numeral 50 indicates a drive section for reading or writing astorage medium depending on the case. Examples of the storage medium area floppy disk, MO, CD-ROM and so on, and the drive section is suitablyselected according to the storage medium. Mouse 51 indicates andactivates an icon on the screen of monitor 48 with a pointed that islinked to the movement of a mouse, or is used to form an image on themonitor screen with a pointer. Depending on the case, this may be ableto be operated more easily than operating panel switches 49.

Although at least a general-purpose computer is contained in the mainpart of the measuring and machining terminal 1, which in addition toperforming composite and arithmetic processing of measurement data, canbe made to perform the measuring operation through the use of known CADtechnology, since the present invention mainly indicates apre-measurement processing process, a program based on that process isexecuted, and preferably stored either temporarily or permanently.

More preferably, another computer is contained that controls the drivingof the rotary drill for cutting. Furthermore, according to theconstitution of said apparatus, modeling can also be performedsimultaneously to and in conjunction with measuring and cutting, and byinstalling a video or still image monitor in the space of the measuringsection 41 and the machining section 42, the range of remote control maybe able to be further expanded.

Reference numerals 52 and 53 are modems or network cards which are datatransfer and conversion devices for sending and receiving data via anexternal or internal telecommunications line. Reference numerals 54 and55 indicate connection mediation means in the manner of a provider inthe case when the telecommunications line is the Internet, for example,which also serve as temporary storage means and so forth for web sites,electronic mail, etc., and refer sections that have storage means thatcan be used by each user. Reference numeral 56 indicates atelecommunications line, such as a public line, local line or wirelessline. Reference numeral 57 indicates a server that is a section forperforming transmitting data to a user, receiving data and performingremote control and so forth.

The following provides an example of operation. The server 57 isconnected to telecommunications line 56 via the modem 53 and theconnection mediation means 55, and at this time, there are also cases inwhich it is preferable to open a web site that can be accessed freely bya third party at connection mediation means 55. The telecommunicationsline and additionally measuring and machining terminal 1 connect withconnection mediation means 54 via the modem 52, and a storage unit thattemporarily accumulates so-called mail and other data is accessed atconnection mediation means 54. This storage unit and so forth are notparticularly necessary, and instead, corresponding terminals employing adialup type of RAS (remote access system) and so forth, in which modemsare connected with a telephone line, may also be connected.

Furthermore, since there are cases in which telephone charges and othercosts are incurred, it is more economical and preferable to use datatemporarily stored in the storage unit of connection mediation means 54,rather than a real-time connection.

Display 21 of FIG. 2 corresponds to the monitor display of the server57, while the display 31 corresponds to the monitor 48 of the terminal1. To begin with, the server 57 opens the icon of measuring andmachining terminal 1 of FIG. 2 to form the window 22. Moreover, the iconthat is the objective of transmission is opened, to form window 24, andthe icon 26 is moved thereto by dragging and dropping with the cursor 28to form the icon 27.

As a result of this action, data is stored in the memory of themeasuring and machining terminal 1 of the connection mediation means 54via the modem 52, the connection mediation means 55 and thetelecommunications line 56. Measuring and machining terminal 1incorporates this data with a procedure for downloading mail. Theincorporated data is automatically or manually moved to a shared iconand dropped to the window 34 corresponding to the window 24 of theserver 16.

As a result of single-clicking on this window while in this state, thetarget contents are executed automatically. The results are converted toa data file and sent to the server in a state like that of mailtransmission. This type of operation is suitable since it reduces costsas a result of shortening connection time and so forth.

In addition, in the case when the measuring and machining terminal 1accesses a web site opened at the connection mediation means 55 by theserver 57, accesses data from this web site and then acquires and sendsback the required data, data may be sent to the server 57 using theprocedure for mail transmission.

Moreover, as a result of machining a remote access network using atelecommunication line, file sharing may be performed to realizereal-time operation as in the explanation of the operation of FIG. 1.

Moreover, the measuring and machining terminal 1 may also be made tofunction as a server as in FIG. 4. In this case, this can beaccommodated by modifying to the extent simply increasing the capacityof the storage means. Reference numeral 2 indicates a server, whilereference numeral 1 indicates a measuring and machining terminal. Otherconstituent features are assigned the same reference numerals as FIG. 3,and the explanation is omitted. Furthermore, although the connectionmediation means is omitted in FIG. 4, it may be connected as necessary.

According to the present embodiment, the server 2 is able to perform thesame functions by being linked with the measuring and machining terminal1, and can provide support with respect to finding the cause of aproblem or when a prosthesis cannot be formed on the terminal side.Namely, as a result of data generated based on the movement of the probeoperated at the terminal being transmitted to the server 2, togetherwith operating the probe in the same manner, data information in thecase of having been obtained while the probe contacts model surface datacan be transmitted to the server 2, the presence of a problem can bedetermined or maintenance can be performed, and in addition to drivingthe machining section to have it perform a similar machining operationbased on that data, the machining operation data on the terminal sidecan be transmitted to the server 2, and the server 2 can be made toperform the machining operation based on that data, thereby making itpossible to confirm problems in the machining section and performmaintenance.

In addition, the server 2 can also be made to directly drive themeasuring section and the machining section of the terminal 1. Forexample, a user presses a button used for direct connection of the panelswitch 49 shown in FIG. 3. When the button is pressed, simple datainformation is transmitted to the server 57, or a display or warningsound and so forth is emitted based on the fact that the button ispressed. Depending on the case, although contact may be made bytelephone without pressing the button, since operation of the device isrequired in any case, there is a case in which contact is madeautomatically mediated by the device.

A user at least places the measurement model M on the measuring stage43, and places the block B on the support stage 46. Server 57 thendirectly controls the driving of the measuring section 41 and themachining section 42 based on this data. Namely, a command for operatingthe probe is output to the control unit, and as a result, the resultingdata is temporarily stored in the terminal's memory. Subsequently, amachining data is formed by instructing the creation of the machiningdata to the terminal's control unit.

In this case, the resulting data does not necessarily have to bereceived directly by the server, but may be temporarily stored by theterminal so that only its operation is controlled, or if the data can betransmitted electronically, that data is copied. After production of themachining data is completed, the server 57 outputs the machining data tothe measuring section so as to drive measuring section 41.

Furthermore, in the case of the server driving the measuring andmachining terminal directly in this manner, although online operationover the Internet is preferable, on the other hand, in order to shortenconnection time, the server may initially send the execution data of aseries of measuring operations to a terminal, and after terminating theconnection between the server and the terminal, and after the terminalis notified the server that the data is executed, the measurement datais received from the terminal, a series of data for executingmeasurement is sent, the connection between the server and the terminalis terminated, and following its completion, in order to receivemachining-related data after machining, the connection between theserver and the terminal may be restored in the manner of intermittentconnection and usage. In this case, a display exchange between theterminal and the server may be carried out by one or more windows on theserver side.

As is described in detail above, the present invention enables theproduction highly accurate dental prostheses regardless of user status.

Another embodiment of the present invention is explained in detail withreference to FIG. 5.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 61 is a drive unit that has a so-calledserial link structure. Six drive units 61 are connected in a zigzagpattern between base plate 62 and terminal support body 63, machining aStewart platform type. This should be understood to only represent oneexample, and a type may also be employed in which three shafts or sixshafts are connected straightly. The specific structure of each driveunit 61 is shown in FIG. 6, and the detailed explanation thereof is madelater.

Base plate 62 is a portion for connecting the measurement device mainunit and the drive units 61 and for connecting it with one ends ofrespective drive units 61. Terminal support body 63 connects it with theother ends of respective drive units 61 and is connected to a supportshaft 66 of the probe.

Detection unit 64 is a portion that generates contact and non-contactinformation of contacts 65 a through 65 d. Although not shown in thedrawing, vibration elements, vibration displacement detection elementsand so forth are mounted on the detection unit 64 so as to make contactwith each contact. Contacts 65 a through 65 d may also be referred to asstyluses. The end needle-shaped portion is the contact, and each contactis connected to the detection unit 64, and make a contact connectionwith vibration elements and vibration displacement elements. Vibrationelements and vibration displacement elements may be arranged so thattheir lateral surfaces make contact with needle-shaped styluses 65 athrough 65 d. Support shaft 66 connects the terminal support body 63 andthe detection unit 64.

Reference numeral 67 indicates an electrical connection member foroutputting a drive signal to a motor 73 shown in FIG. 6 of the driveunits 61. Reference numeral 68 indicates a drive signal output unit thatis for outputting drive signals to the motor 73.

Reference numeral 69 indicates a control means that receives signalsoutput from the detection unit 64, calculates the positional informationof the model from the information obtained by each contact 65 a through65 d making contact with the model, accumulates that information andoutputs that information to a machining means.

Control means 69 is also for generating the next movement position ofthe probe and outputting that position to the drive signal output unit68. Reference numeral 70 indicates a transmission unit for outputtingangle information that indicates the manner of bending of the joint ofeach link end output by a potentiometer 76 to drive signal output unit68. Reference numeral 71 indicates a transmission unit for transmittingthe signal from control means 69 to drive signal output unit 68.

A specific example of the structure of each drive unit 61 is shown inFIG. 6. Reference numeral 72 indicates a connection end that has a jointcapable of rotating 360 degrees. Reference numeral 73 indicates a motorthat is formed by that having a composition in whichposition-controllable linear driving is performed based on an electricalsignal, or is formed by a linear motor. Reference numeral 74 is asliding member that is coupled to the motor 73 and slides in thelengthwise direction. Reference numeral 75 indicates the other end thathas a joint capable of rotating. Each other end 75 is connected to theterminal support body 63. Reference numeral 76 is a potentiometer thatoutputs angle information of the joint of the other end 75 in the formof an electrical signal.

The following provides an explanation of an example of the operation ofFIGS. 5 and 6 with reference to FIG. 7. A bridge type model MM producedin advance is placed on the measuring stage, and the drive signal outputunit 68 outputs a signal for driving the motor 73 of the drive unit 61until the contact 65 b makes contact with the surface of a model toothMA as shown in FIG. 7 in the state in which a rough movement pattern ofthe positional information of the contacts is recognized. Each driveunit 61 is extended and contracted by the driving of the motor 73 tomove contact 65 b.

When the contact 65 b contacts the surface of the model tooth MA, thedetection means 64 outputs a signal to the effect that the surface isdetected to the control means 69. At that time, the control means 69outputs a signal to stop further movement in that direction to drive thecontrol output unit 68. Drive signal output unit 68 outputs a signal tothat effect so as to stop operation of the motor 73 of each drive unit61, after which the direction of the next movement is determined basedon joint angle information and so forth sent from the potentiometer 76,while the amount of motor driving is determined from the positionalinformation of each contact 65 a through 65 d of the probe, after whichthis is output to the motor 73 of each drive unit 61.

As a result of repeating in the above manner, the other contacts arecontacted and make contact with the surface of model tooth MA togenerate its surface shape data.

Next, the probe moves in the direction of the model tooth MB shown inFIG. 7 in the manner of the operation described above, contact is madewith the model tooth surface MB primarily by the contact 65 d, the driveunit 61 is partially extended and contracted at the comparatively flatportion of the model upper surface, an angle is imparted to terminalsupport body 63 and the detection unit 64, each contact makes contact,and the surface data is transmitted to the control means 69. Othersurface data is then obtained by repeating this operation.

In this manner, by contacting a probe having a plurality of contactswith a model surface, its surface data can be obtained in a shorterperiod of time without moving the model.

Minimizing the movement of the model not only eliminates bothersome workon the part of the user, but also simplifies the constitution of thesection on which the model is placed.

Next, explanation is provided of an example of the constitution of themachining section as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows a constitution inwhich a machining drill is attached to the drive body having theparallel link structure shown in FIG. 5. Those sections that are thesame as the constitution shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are indicated with thesame reference numerals, and their explanation is omitted. Referencenumeral 77 indicates a motor for rotating the grinding drill 78.Reference numeral 79 indicates a control means, which in addition tocontrolling the driving of the motor 77, transmits data to drive signaloutput means 68 that controls the movement of the drive units 61 basedon received measurement data. Reference numeral 80 is a connector fortransmitting a signal between the control means 79 and the drive signaloutput means 68.

With respect to the operation resulting from the use of the aboveconstitution, although essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 5, asa result of using a machining means having drivers that use a similarparallel link in order to withstand high speeds since measurement takesplace at high speeds in the case of using a parallel link inmeasurement, there are cases in which it is possible to suppress theburden on arithmetic processing of arithmetic control.

The following provides a detailed explanation of the overallconstitution of the system shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, with reference toFIG. 9. Reference numeral 81 indicates a measurement device main unit,while reference numeral 82 indicates a parallel link driver like thatshown in FIG. 5. Reference numeral 83 indicates a cross probe, whilereference numeral 84 indicates a measurement processing unit for controlof the operation of the measurement device main unit and for input andprocessing of the form of surface data obtained as a result of the crossprobe making contact with a model.

Reference numeral 85 indicates a network that may be a general-purposenetwork or dedicated network. Examples of general-purpose networksinclude the Internet and personal computer communications, and, althoughnot shown in the drawing, a modem, a connection service or a serviceprovider and so forth is located at an intermediate point on thenetwork. Examples of a dedicated network include an LAN, an intranet, ora local connection using a dial-up format. Furthermore, this section isnot limited to a wired form such as a public line, but rather alsoincludes wireless forms such as infrared rays and radio waves. In thiscase, a means is incorporated for transferring data to a wireless mediumsuch as a modulation means or demodulation means.

Reference numeral 86 indicates a machining processing unit for receivingmodel surface data and converting this received data to machining dataand so forth to control machine tools used for machining. Theseprocessing means for measurement and machining can both be adequatelyreplaced with computers for personal use.

Reference numeral 87 indicates a machining device. Machining device 87is provided with a machining tool 98 used for the purpose of cutting andgrinding, and a drive unit 88 that drives it. Since the purpose of thedriving unit 88 is to enable an accurate prosthesis to be cut and groundfrom a block, although there are no particular restrictions on itsconstitution, the machining device is preferably driven by a parallellink as shown in FIG. 6, and since the machining tool can be drivenfaster and more accurately by synchronizing its driving information, aparallel link structure is preferably employed.

Reference numeral 99 indicates a block to be machined. Although theblock to be machined may be any type of block provided it can be used asa prosthesis, highly pure titanium is preferable because of its superiorbiomiscibility along with its light weight, durability and aestheticproperties. Moreover, hard ceramics are preferably used for members forwhich machining is difficult with simple machining devices.

Reference numeral 90 indicates a recording medium, and should be aportable recording medium such as a floppy disk, MO, CD-R or MemoryStick. Reference numeral 91 indicates a connector that is a cable basedon the USB, SCSI, RS232C or LAN transmission format. Preferably, theconnector consists of a connection relationship and cable that isuniversally connected to a general-purpose computer. Reference numeral92 indicates a transport means in which transport is carried out by ameans such as mail, home delivery or hand-carrying. Reference numeral 93indicates a network connection, and indicates a connection state inwhich data is transferred over a line via a modem. A public line orprivate line and so forth are located at an intermediate point in thisconnection. Reference numerals 94 and 97 indicate connectors in the caseof the measuring device and machining device being directly connectedwith the network 85 with going through each processor 84 and 86. In thiscase, either the measuring device or the machining device is providedwith a modulation-demodulation means such as a modem as a transmissionand reception means. Reference numeral 95 indicates a connector forconnecting with a network in the same manner as reference numeral 93.

The following provides an explanation of operation.

A model is obtained in advance from an oral cavity. Model M is obtainedby filling a hard member into the defective portion of a tooth and thenremoved after hardening. The surface of the model M is measured usingthe cross probe. The measured data is transmitted to measurementprocessing unit 84 via the connector 91. Measurement processing unit 84reconstructs the measurement data internally and makes arbitraryadjustments in the measurement data, compresses the data and performsother processing followed by transmitting it to machining processingunit 86.

In this case, it may be transmitted to the machining device using thetransport means 92 after recording on the recording medium 90, or may betransmitted via the network 85.

In the case of transmitting via the network 85, it is transmitted viathe connector 93 to a partner provider through a provider if the networkis, for example, the Internet. At the partner provider, the data isstored temporarily until it is requested by the machining processingunit.

In the case of processing by electronic mail, the data is temporarilyrecorded in an e-mail storage unit, after which the machining processingunit 86 reads this temporarily recorded via the connector 95.Alternatively, the data may be read directly in the case of a directconnection state in the manner of a computer chat forum or Internettelephone. In addition, if the measurement processing unit 84 and themachining processing unit 86 share data on the network, data may betransmitted such that the machining processing unit 86 copies themeasurement data within the measurement processing unit 84, ormeasurement processing unit 84 moves the measurement data to a folderinside the machining processing unit 86 that shares data. After themachining processing unit 86 receives data via the connector 95, itcreates machining data based on that data as well as other materialrequest data from the user, and connects this to the machining device 87via the connector 96.

Machining device 87 moves the drive unit 88 and the cutting tool 98based on this data to cut and grind the block 99. After the block 99 ismachined into the shape of a prosthesis, it is sent to the dentist ordental technician on the measuring side by mail, hand-carrying or homedelivery. Furthermore, in addition to the case of the cutting devicebeing on the outside in this manner, both may be possessed and used byconnecting directly. In this case, both processes may be handled by asingle computer instead of having two processing units, or theseprocessing units may be internalized and integrated into a singleconstitution.

For example, FIG. 9 shows the case of the combination of the measuringdevice main unit 81→the connector 91→the measurement processing unit84→the connector 93→the network 85→the connector 97→the machining device87. In this case, the system is composed such that the measurementprocessing unit 84 performs the remote control of the operation ofmachining device 87 in the manner of, for example, a network printer,allowing the user to perform to carry out machining arbitrarily. In FIG.9, for example, the case of the combination of the measuring device mainunit 81→the connector 94→the network 85→the connector 95→the machiningprocessing unit 86→the machining device 87 is shown. In this case, aconstitution is employed wherein the machining processing unit 86performs the remote control of the operation of the measuring devicemain unit 81 in the manner of, for example, a network printer, and theuser simply places the model in the system, while a person withspecialized knowledge performs the measuring and the machining by remotecontrol.

As described in detail above, the present invention has the effect ofenabling the production of a prosthesis both at high speed and highaccuracy while minimizing the burden on a user.

FIGS. 10 through 13 are views showing still another embodiment of thepresent invention.

Although each of these figures explains the shape of the model obtainedfrom the defective portion of a tooth or the shape of a prosthesis whichis produced by the present invention, on the other hand, they are alsovirtually displayed on a display by making three-dimensionalmeasurements of the surface and reproducing numerically obtained datawith a personal computer, and therefore, they are numbered based on thedepiction of each constitution in the form of data.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory views in the case the prosthesisproduced is of the conus type.

Conus Type Data Production Procedure

A conus (conus cronen telescope, conus telescope) is a conical doublecrown proposed by K. H. Körber and is composed of an inner crown 101 andits conforming outer crown 102.

The axial surface of the inner crown 102 is subjected to milling byattaching a conus bar or a conometer to a parallelometer to impart asuitable conus angle. Typically a six degree conus angle is imparted,but a retention force can be changed by suitable adjustment. Retentionforce is obtained by the wedge effect due to contact between the innerand outer crowns and the metal elasticity (elastic deformation) of theouter crown. This is mainly applied as a retaining device for partialdentures.

The conus angle refers to the angle of half of the cone angle formed byextending the taper of the axial surface of the inner crown of a conuscronen telescope. The inventor, K. H. Körber, reported that the mostsuitable retention force is demonstrated when a conus angle of sixdegrees is used.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the shape of a model obtained from the defectiveportion of a tooth, and the shape of the prosthesis obtained byreplicating the shape of that model.

Model Formation

A model is formed of the site of an abutment 103 by filling plaster,resin or metal and so forth into the impression surface (negative mold)in which an impression is taken directly from the defective portionwithin the oral cavity of the patient. Moreover, a denture model 109 isformed that is attached to the surface of the abutment. Outer crown 101is produced so as to achieve an accurate positional relationship withthe abutment 103, and the portion equal to or lower than the maximumprojection is not required to be produced.

Denture model 109 is ultimately completed in the form of a denture(conus telescope denture) by soldering the corresponding outer crownsand partial plate, etc. followed by laser welding or packing withporcelain. A conus telescope denture refers to a partial denture inwhich a conus telescope is used as the retaining device.

Inner crown 102 is attached to abutment 103, and outer crown 101 isconnected to the denture. Reference numeral 105 indicates the innersurface of inner crown 102, while reference numeral 106 indicates theouter surface of inner crown 102. Reference numeral 107 indicates theinner surface of outer crown 101, while reference numeral 108 indicatesthe outer surface of outer crown 101.

Measurement of Model Surface

Measurement of the model surface is carried out by a three-dimensionalmeasuring instrument provided with a non-contact method using a laser ora contact method using a probe and so forth. Margin line 104 is made tobe able to be discriminated by measuring the upper surface of theabutment or trimming the lower portion of the margin. The margin linerefers to the contact line where the prosthesis and body tissue makecontact in the outside direction, and this portion is required to bemeasured accurately since conformation of this portion preventssecondary carious.

This trimming is produced so as to be compatible with the manner ofmeasurement of the three-dimensional measuring instrument. For example,since the margin line is indicated with a line as previously described,the model is formed so that there are projections at this portion tofacilitate contact measurement, or a colored line is made so as toeasily reflect or absorb laser light.

During measurement of the denture upper surface, the upper surface ofthe denture is measured with the denture conforming to the abutment 103.

Setting Parameters from Measurement Data

Margin line 104 is detected from the measurement data of the abutment103. The maximum projection line is detected from the surfacemeasurement data of denture model data 19. The conus angle (degrees)(indicated with K1 in FIG. 11), the thickness of the upper portion ofthe inner crown (mm) (indicated with A1 in FIG. 11), the conus gap (mm)(indicated with A2 in FIG. 11) and so forth are then determined. Conusangle K1 and the conus gap A2 are arbitrarily determined so as todemonstrate suitable retention strength (for example, K1=6 degrees,A2=0.1 mm).

Thickness A1 is determined based on abutment surface data 103 anddenture model data 109 to be values such that the height of inner crown102 from margin line 104 to the inner crown upper surface 106 enablesthe demonstration of suitable retention strength. In addition, these maybe arbitrarily determined by the user, or they may be determined by, forexample, displaying abutment surface data 103, denture model data 109and so forth on a PC screen and then referring (visually) to them.Furthermore, both thickness and gap are roughly zero at the margin line.

Transmission

In producing a conus in the manner of this example, all that is requiredis the surface data of the abutment 103 and a plurality of parameters(cement space S, conus angle K1, conus inner crown upper portionthickness A1, rise angle K2 and outer crown upper portion thickness A3),and these parameters and data are then transmitted.

Furthermore, although the margin line 104 may be determined from thedata of the abutment 103, in the case of reflecting the operation of theuser, it is preferable to add margin line data to this.

In addition, there are also cases in which a step is added in which thisdata is temporarily restored at the transmitting side, displayed on amonitor followed by adjustment of the data by operation of the screen bythe user.

Denture model 109 can be restored by transmitting only the upperocclusal surface, machining data and margin line to the maximumsurrounding projection as well as occlusal surface and heightparameters. Since this data is small in size, it may be sent to theE-mail address of another person in the form of an attachment in themanner of handling as e-mail by a user after converting to a file, ormay be sent in a size that can be dragged and dropped to a prescribedarea of a computer of another person using a dialup format.

There are also cases in which a dialup connection is preferable in whichthe connection is terminated automatically as in the case of e-mail.

In the case of transmission, text data at the time of machining may beattached, or if there are instructions and so forth regarding theprosthesis, that data may also be attached.

Examples of applicable materials include titanium and ceramics. Titaniumis known to be lightweight and have affinity for the body (Y. Miura, etal., General Chemical Theory, No. 21, pp. 85-96 (1978), and althoughthat having as high a purity as possible is preferable, during itsmachining, since there are many cases in which a special drill isrequired for cutting and grinding, and since a proper machiningenvironment must be provided, machining at a specialized machining sitein this manner makes it possible to produce and supply prostheses bothrapidly and appropriately.

In addition, it is more preferable to use titanium materials to producecomparatively large prostheses such as linked crowns, bridges, dentures,metal plates, clasps, palatal bars, lingual bars and so forth. This issimilarly preferable in the case of using hard blocks such as ceramicsor expensive materials.

Reception

A machining site at which data has been acquired by reception by, forexample, e-mail, a so-called virtual shape is displayed on theproduction screen on a computer based on this data. Depending on thecase, this may be resent to the user for confirmation.

Specific Data Production

Data 105, which indicates the shape of the lower surface of inner crown102, is produced by calculation to add cement space S1 the data theabutment surface data above margin line 104. Data 106, which indicatesthe shape of the upper surface of inner crown 102, is produced bycalculation from the data of margin line 104, conus angle K1 and innercrown upper portion thickness A1.

The portion of data 107 inside the margin line 104, which indicates theshape of the lower surface of outer crown 101, is produced bycalculation from upper surface data 106 of inner crown 102 and conus gap(A2: mm). Data 108, which indicates the shape of the outer surface ofouter crown 101, is produced by calculation to connect the maximumprojection line and margin line in a plane, or from rise angle (K2:degrees). The upper surface of denture model data 19 is produced usingmeasurement data.

In the case when the outer crown 101 and the denture model data 109 areseparate from each other, as shown in FIG. 10, and in the case of, forexample, dividing into a structure consisting of the outer crown 101 ofa metal frame and a resin or porcelain material, etc. joined on top ofit, the thickness (mm) of the outer crown 101 (indicated with A3 in FIG.11) can be set automatically or manually and calculated therefrom. Inthe case of producing data for the resin or porcelain material on top ofit, it is calculated from upper portion data 108 of the outer crown 101(metal frame) and denture model data 109. If the upper surface 108 ofthe outer crown 101 has the outer crown 101 and denture model data 109integrated into a single unit, upper portion data 108 of the outer crown101 is omitted, and the thickness of the outer crown 101 coincides withthe surface data of denture model data 109.

Machining

The material is selected and machining is carried out using an NCmachine tool and so forth based on other data specified by the user.

Delivery

If a time is specified by the user, either delivery is requested to athird party delivery service or is hand-delivered by that time.Furthermore, if the machining device is in the movable state by anautomobile or other means, machining and production may be carried outby going to a location near the user, or in the case machining devicesare installed at various locations, data may be resent to that locationfollowed by machining and hand-delivery to the user.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are explanatory views for production of a metal copingtype of prosthesis.

Metal coping refers to a metal structural body of a crown inner portionthat is produced so as to be able to adequately demonstrate the materialcharacteristics of porcelain materials or hard resin, and while givingconsideration so that the strength of each restored portion can beguaranteed in a porcelain-baked cast crown or hard resin pre-coatedcrown. It may also be simply referred to as coping.

In the broad sense, coping is referred to as transfer coping that madeof metal or resin for accurately reproducing the positional relationshipon a model with a metal structural body (metal coping) of the inside ofa crown pre-coated with a porcelain material or resin. It may also referto paralleling coping that is made on an implant abutment and secureslevelness with other abutments or natural teeth, or to telescope coping(secondary coping) that is equivalent to the outer crown of a telescope.In addition, it may also simply indicate coping.

Model Production

A model of the site of the abutment 111 is produced in the mannerdescribed above.

Measurement of Model Surface

Abutment data 111 is obtained by three-dimensionally measuring thesurface status of abutment 111 as shown in the above embodiments. Atthis time, the margin line is made to be able to be discriminated bytrimming the portion below the margin and so forth.

Setting of Parameters from Measurement Data

Margin line 112 is detected from the measurement data. This ispreferably confirmed and corrected on a screen by the user. Thethickness (mm) of cement space S1 (indicated with C1 in FIG. 13) and thethickness (mm) of coping 114 (indicated with C2 in FIG. 13) aredetermined. Reference numeral 113 indicates the denture model.

Transmission

The surface data of the abutment 111, thickness value C1 of cement spaceS1, coping thickness value C2 and other parameter data is transmitted,and the previous description should be referred to for the state of thattransmission. Furthermore, although the margin line 112 may bedetermined from the data of abutment the 111, in the case of reflectingthe operation of the user, margin line data is preferably added to this.

Production of Data Following Reception

Surface data C3 of the lower surface (inner surface) of coping 114 isobtained from the data of margin line 112 by adding the cement space tothe surface data of abutment 111 above it by calculation. Surface dataC4 of the upper surface of coping 114 is obtained by calculating fromsurface data C3 of the lower surface (inner surface) of coping 114 andthe thickness value (C2) of coping 114. In the vicinity of margin line112, C1 and C2 are changed intentionally so as to respectively coincidewith the margin line. Surface data of the top and bottom of the copingcan also be restored with only abutment data and a plurality ofparameters.

Machining and Delivery

The inner surface of the outer crown is machined based on other datafrom the user and the above data of the top and bottom of the coping.Delivery is carried out in the manner described above.

As is described above, the present invention has the effect of enablingefficient transmission of dental measurement data and ensuring stableprostheses.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Measuring and machining terminal

2 Measuring and machining terminal

11 Measuring section

12 Machining section

13 Control section

14 Memory

15 Monitor

16 Server

17 Memory

18 Monitor

19 Telecommunications line

21 Display

22 Window

23 Icon group

24 Window

25 Window

26 File

27 File

28 Cursor

31 Display

32 Shared file

33 Icon group

34 Window

35 Icon

36 Display area

41 Measuring section

42 Machining section

43 Measuring stage

44 Probe

45 Drill

46 Support stage

47 Nozzle

48 Monitor

49 Panel switches

50 Drive section

51 Mouse

52 Modem

53 Modem

54 Connection mediation means

55 Connection mediation means

56 Communication line

57 Server

61 Drive unit

62 Base plate

63 Terminal support body

64 Detection unit

65 a-65 d Contacts

66 Support shaft

67 Electrical connection member

68 Drive signal output unit

69 Control means

70 Transmission unit

71 Transmission unit

72 Connection end

73 Motor

74 Sliding member

75 Other end

76 Potentiometer

77 Motor

78 Drill

79 Control means

80 Connector

81 Measurement device main unit

82 Parallel link driver

83 Cross probe

84 Measurement processing unit

85 Network

86 Machining processing unit

87 Machining device

88 Drive unit

89 Block to be machined

90 Recording medium

91 Connector

92 Transport

93 Network connection

94 Connector

95 Connector

96 Connector

97 Connector

98 Machining tool

101 Outer crown

102 Inner crown

103 Abutment data

104 Margin line

105 Inner crown inner surface shape

106 Inner crown upper surface shape

107 Outer crown inner surface shape

108 Outer crown upper surface shape

109 Denture model data

111 Abutment

112 Margin line

113 Denture model data

114 Coping

What is claimed is:
 1. A dental measuring and machining systemcomprising: a probe having contacts extending in the directions of across for contacting and measuring the surface of a model for producinga prosthesis; a parallel link drive unit for driving said probe; surfaceshape acquisition means for obtaining the surface shape of said modelbased on the contact by said probe; and means for transmitting dataacquired with said surface shape acquisition means; and machining meansthat receives said transmitted data and machines a model for aprosthesis with a cutting tool or a grinding tool based on the receiveddata.
 2. The dental measuring and machining system according to claim 1wherein a driver driving said cutting tool or the grinding tool has aparallel link structure.
 3. The dental measuring and machining systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said surface shape acquisition means isoperable from the outside of said system.
 4. The dental measuring andmachining system according to claim 1, wherein said means fortransmitting data comprises at least one of an internet, an E-mail, anda delivery of an information storing medium.